RF-Transparent Case with Integral Clip

ABSTRACT

A case for a mobile device, including a first RF-transparent layer forming a pocket or recess for a mobile device, and a clip portion extending from a first wall of the pocket or recess. The clip portion extends away from a first wall of the pocket or recess, with the clip portion and the first wall forming a ring. The clip portion includes an external clip portion, an internal clip portion arranged inside the external clip portion, and a hinged gate. The internal clip portion is separate and distinct from the eternal clip portion. The hinged gate is rotatable around a hinge portion between a closed position in which the ring is closed, and an open position in which the ring is open. The first RF-transparent layer and the external and internal clip portions are formed from materials such that radio frequency (“RF”) transmissions can be transmitted through them.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a case for a mobile device. The case ismade from a material that is transparent to radio frequencies (“RF”) sothat RF transmissions can be sent and received through the case materialby the mobile device when arranged within the case. The case also has aclip that is integral with the case so that the case itself can bedirectly attached to an item worn by a user, such as a loop, belt,strap, ring, or the like.

Cases for mobile devices have been designed to provide at least someprotection from impact events, such as when the device is dropped, hit,or otherwise struck. These cases are typically placed in a pocket or bagwhen being carried by a user. This can be a problem in an emergency asit can make it difficult, or even impossible, to access the mobiledevice.

Other cases for mobile devices have incorporated a loop on the case towhich a clip, shackle, or the like—such as a carabiner—can be attached.The clip or shackle can then be attached to an item worn by a user. Butthis can be bulky and uncomfortable, as the clip or shackle is rotatedat an angle with respect to the case when attached to the loop. Inaddition, the loop of the case and the clip or shackle are able to rubtogether during use, which creates wear on the loop, potentiallyresulting in failure of the loop and loss of the device.

Another case by Elecom incorporates a carabiner into the side of analuminum bumper case. But this case must be attached to the mobiledevice with screws, making it difficult to take on and off. In addition,the bumper case is aluminum, likely to provide enough strength to thecarabiner portion. But aluminum, like other metals, can block orinterfere with RF transmissions, which may be why the case was designedas a bumper and not as a full case. In addition, aluminum provideslittle to no shock absorption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As such, it is desirable to provide a new case for a mobile device whichcan provide shock/impact protection to a mobile device and be directlyclipped to a user while still allowing for RF transmissions to and fromthe mobile device when arranged in the case.

According to the present invention there is therefore provided a casefor a mobile device as described by way of example below and in theaccompanying claims.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a case (1) for amobile device, including a first RF-transparent layer (2) and a clipportion (30). The first RF-transparent layer (2) forms a pocket orrecess (19) in which the mobile device can be arranged, and is formedfrom a first material such that radio frequency (“RF”) transmissions canbe transmitted through the first layer (2). The clip portion (30)extends from a first wall (7) of the pocket or recess (19) in adirection away from the pocket or recess (19), with the clip portion(30) and the first wall (7) forming a ring. The clip portion (30)includes an external clip portion (31), an internal clip portion (32),and a hinged gate (33). The external clip portion (31) is formed from asecond material such that RF transmissions can be transmitted throughthe external clip portion (31). The internal clip portion (32) isarranged inside the external clip portion (31), and is formed from athird material such that RF transmissions can be transmitted through theinternal clip portion (32), the internal clip portion (32) beingseparate and distinct from the eternal clip portion (31). The hingedgate (33) is rotatable around a hinge portion (34) between a closedposition in which the ring is closed, and an open position in which thering is open. The first, second, and third materials are the same,different, or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the first layer (2) forms the external clipportion (31).

In yet another embodiment, the internal clip portion (32) is permanentlyattached to the external clip portion (31).

In a further embodiment, the ring is rectangular in shape.

In yet a further embodiment, the first, second, and third materials arenonmetallic materials.

In another embodiment, the hinged gate (33) comprises at least onemetal.

In yet another embodiment, the case (1) includes no metal or RF-blockingcomponents or materials other than the hinged gate (33).

In a further embodiment, the case (1) includes no metal or RF-blockingcomponents or materials.

In yet a further embodiment, the case (1) further includes a secondRF-transparent layer (3) that is arranged inside the pocket or recess(19) of the first layer (2), and which is formed from a fourth materialsuch that RF transmissions can be transmitted through the second layer(3), the fourth material being different from the first material.

In another embodiment, the second layer (3) is permanently attached tothe first layer (2).

In yet another embodiment, the fourth material is a nonmetallicmaterial.

In a further embodiment, the fourth material is a soft elastomericmaterial.

In yet a further embodiment, the soft elastomeric fourth material isselected from the group consisting of thermoplastic elastomers (“TPEs”),thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”), polyolefins, silicone, rubber, andcombinations thereof.

In another embodiment, each of the first, second, third, and fourthmaterials is translucent, transparent, or clear, so that one or moresides of the mobile device can be seen through the one or morerespective sides of the case (1) when the mobile device is arrangedinside the case.

In yet another embodiment, the first material is a hard or rigidmaterial.

In a further embodiment, the hard or rigid first material is selectedfrom the group consisting of hardened plastic material, a rigid orsemi-rigid plastic material, a rigid/hard rubber material, apolycarbonate material, a para-aramid material, wood, glass, quartz,thermosetting plastics with a hard durometer having shore 30D to shore100D, polycarbonate, poly(methyl methacrylate) (“PMMA”), acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (“ABS”), PMMA, polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”),high durometer thermoplastic elastomers (“TPEs”) and thermoplasticpolyurethanes (“TPUs”) having shore 30D to shore 100D, and anycombination thereof.

In yet a further embodiment, the first layer (2) forms a rear side (6),a first side (7), a second side (8), a third side (9), and a fourth side(10). The rear side (6) forms at least part of a rear wall of the pocketor recess (19). The first side (7) extends from the rear side (6) andforms at least part of the first wall (7) of the pocket or recess (19).The second side (8) is opposite to the first side (7), and extends fromthe rear side (6), forming at least part of a second wall of the pocketor recess (19). The third side (9) extends from the rear side (6)between the first and second sides (7,8), and forms at least part of athird wall of the pocket or recess (19). The fourth side (10) isopposite to the third side (9), and extends from the rear side (6)between the first and second sides (7,8), forming at least part of afourth wall of the pocket or recess (19).

In another embodiment, a thickness of the internal clip portion (32) ina radial direction of the ring is greater than a thickness of theexternal clip portion (31) in the radial direction of the ring.

In yet another embodiment, a case (1) for a mobile device is providedthat includes a first layer (2) and a clip portion (30). The first layer(2) forms a pocket or recess (19) in which the mobile device can bearranged, the first layer (2) being formed from a first material. Theclip portion (30) extends from a first wall (7) of the pocket or recess(19) in a direction away from the pocket or recess (19), the clipportion (30) and the first wall (7) forming a ring. The clip portion(30) includes an external clip portion (31), an internal clip portion(32), and a hinged gate (33). The external clip portion (31) is formedfrom a second material. The internal clip portion (32) is arrangedinside the external clip portion (31), is formed from a third material,and is separate and distinct from the eternal clip portion (31). Thehinged gate (33) is rotatable around a hinge portion (34) between aclosed position in which the ring is closed, and an open position inwhich the ring is open. A thickness of the internal clip portion (32) ina radial direction of the ring is greater than a thickness of theexternal clip portion (31) in the radial direction of the ring.

In a further embodiment, the first layer (2) forms the external clipportion (31).

It is noted that the features of the above-described embodiments are notexclusive to each other, and that any one of the aboveembodiments/features can be combined with one or more of the otherembodiments/features to arrive at further embodiments.

The inventive case can be designed to fit a variety of mobiledevices—such as smartphones, MP3/4 players, tablets, laptops, electronicsafety devices, and other portable electronic devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an upper side view of the case in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the case in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the case in accordance with an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the case in accordance with an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 5 is a lower side view of the case in accordance with an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the case in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 7 is a front-right perspective view of the case in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a front-right expanded view of the case in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the presentinvention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevantfor a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating,for purposes of clarity, many other elements which are conventional inthis art. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that otherelements are desirable for implementing the present invention. However,because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do notfacilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussionof such elements is not provided herein.

The present invention will now be described in detail on the basis ofexemplary embodiments. It is noted that any numerical ranges disclosedherein are included to individually disclose every sub-range and number,both whole integer and partial fraction, within the disclosed range. Forexample, a disclosed range of 1-100 is intended to individually disclose20-90, 40-80, 30.5-50.2, 20, 67.3, 84.512924, and every other range andnumber that falls within the recited range.

A case according to an embodiment of the invention can be arrived at byproviding shock-absorbing impact geometry to the interior of the case inthe form of triangular ridges that protrude from the inner surface ofthe sides of the case. The narrow tops of the ridges contact the surfaceof the device. When force is applied between the outside of the case andthe device, such as during an impact event, the force causes thetriangular ridges to deform against the surface of the device. As forceincrease, further deformation of the ridges increases the volume ofdeformed material. This configuration allows the case to absorb impactand reduce the forces communicated to a device within the case in theevent the device and case are dropped on a hard surface.

FIGS. 1-8 show an upper side view, a rear view, a right side, a leftside view, a lower side view, a front view, a front view, a front-rightperspective view, and a front-right expanded view, respectively, of thecase in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The case 1includes a first layer or shell 2 and a second layer 3. The first layeror shell 2 includes a rear side having an inside surface 4 and anoutside surface 6 opposite to the inside surface. An upper side 7, alower side 8, a left side 9, and a right side 10 extend from the outsidesurface 6 of the rear side toward a front of the case 1 so as to form apocket or recess in which the second layer 3 will be—and eventually amobile device can be—arranged. The second layer 3 also includes acorresponding rear side having an inside surface 21, as well as one ormore of corresponding upper, lower, left, and right sides. A pocket orrecess 19 may be formed in second layer 3 for receiving the mobiledevice.

In one embodiment, the rear sides of the first layer 2 and second layer3 overlay each other. The rear sides of the first layer or shell 2 andsecond layer 3 are also preferably substantially coextensive with eachother so that the rear side of each layer covers at least 50% of thesurface area of the rear side of the other layer. It is also preferablethat the respective upper sides, lower sides, left sides, and rightsides of the first layer 2 and second layer 3 are substantiallycoextensive with each other so that the respective upper sides, lowersides, left sides, and right sides of each layer covers at least 50% ofthe surface area of the corresponding side of the other layer.Additionally, it is preferable that the rear of the case (formed by therear sides of the first layer 2 and second layer 3) is configured tocover at least 90%, if not all, of the rear of a mobile device when themobile device is arranged within the case.

According to another embodiment, the respective upper sides, lowersides, left sides, and right sides of the first layer 2 and second layer3 are only partially coextensive with each other so that the respectiveupper sides, lower sides, left sides, and right sides of the first layer2 cover only a portion of the respective sides of the second layer 3.

The first layer or shell 2 is preferably formed from a rigid or hardnonmetallic material that is RF-transparent to create a rigid/hard outershell which provides at least some impact protection as well asprotection from being punctured by impacts with sharp objects. Examplesof suitable nonmetallic RF-transparent hard/rigid materials includehardened plastic material, a rigid or semi-rigid plastic material, arigid/hard rubber material, a polycarbonate material, a para-aramidmaterial, wood, glass, quartz, and any combination thereof, and may beany color or texture. Preferred materials include thermosetting plasticswith a hard durometer having shore 30D to shore 100D, polycarbonate,poly(methyl methacrylate) (“PMMA”), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene(“ABS”), PMMA, polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), high durometerthermoplastic elastomers (“TPEs”) and thermoplastic polyurethanes(“TPUs”) having shore 30D to shore 100D, and any combination thereof.The hard protective exterior shell may be designed to mimic the finishof existing mobile devices, such as phones, MP3/4 players, tablets,laptops, electronic safety devices, and other mobile electronic devices.Many users like the feel of the original electronic device and wouldlike to maintain that feel but still want protection for their device.The hard protective exterior shell of the present invention has a lowcoefficient of friction. This allows the device to be slipped in and outof pockets easily with little resistance and without gripping toclothing materials—a major complaint from users when an elastomericmaterial is used for the outside of cases.

The outside surface of the first layer or shell 2 is may be providedwith a scratch resistant UV hardcoat, which resists scratches andprevents discoloration of the case due to UV exposure.

The second layer 3 is preferably formed from a nonmetallicRF-transparent soft elastomeric material which provides at least someshock protection from impact events such as drops or falls. Examples ofsuitable materials include thermoplastic elastomers (“TPEs”),thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”), polyolefins, silicone, rubber, andany combination thereof. The second layer 3 may also be designed so thatthere are no gaps between the rear of the mobile device and the insidesurface 21 of the rear side of the case. This enables the case to have avery solid connection to the mobile electronic device. The second layer3 may additionally be formed with a lip or rim 20 so as to secure andretain the mobile device within the case 1. The elastomeric layer 3 alsocan be formed to have portions designed to cover buttons on a mobiledevice. This allows a user to simply press the exposed portion of theinner elastomeric layer corresponding to the desired input of the mobiledevice.

The second layer 3 may also, or alternatively, be formed from anonmetallic RF-transparent non-Newtonian dilatant material. The dilatantmaterial is soft and flexible when at rest, but stiffens and/or hardensupon impact. In this way, the dilatant material is able to provide bothimpact protection by dispersing the force of an impact event along thesurface of the second layer 3, and shock protection by absorbing some ofthe shock force of the impact event. This dual quality (i.e., absorbingand diffusing impact or impact forces) of the dilatant material allowsfor less material to be used to make the case—allowing for a thinner,lighter, and less bulky case which increases the portability of theprotected mobile device—while still providing increased impact and shockprotection to the mobile device encased therein.

Examples of suitable dilatant materials for the second layer 3 includematerials made by D3O® (such as D3O® ST, D3O® XT, D3O® Shock+, and D3O®Aero), PORON® XRD™ made by Rogers Corporation, and ARTi-LAGE™ artificialcartilage foam made by ARTiLAGE™. Impact absorbing materials (such asfoams) which have dilatant properties are especially preferred.

The dilatant material may have a hardness of at least 20 Shore OO, ormay have a hardness of at least 5 Shore O. Preferably the hardness is atleast 30 Shore OO, at least 50 Shore OO, at least 60 Shore OO, or atleast 70 Shore OO. More preferably the hardness is in a range of 20-90Shore OO, or in a range of 5-61 Shore O. More preferably still, thehardness is in a range of 30-80 Shore OO, or in a range of 5-40 Shore O.Even more preferably, the hardness is in a range of 40-70 Shore OO.

Preferably the second layer 3 has a hardness in the range of from 60-85Shore A. If the second layer 3 is clear, its preferred hardness is 75-85Shore A. If the second layer 3 is opaque, its preferred hardness is60-75 Shore A.

Certain additives can cause an otherwise non-metallic RF-transparentmaterial to materially interfere with the transmission of radiofrequencies. Examples include carbon, which may be added to color someplastics materials black. In a preferred embodiment, the non-metallicRF-transparent material is non-black so as to avoid this issue. Otherexamples of RF-interfering additives include metallic flakes and otherreflective glitter flakes, which are also preferably not included in oradded to the current protective case.

Each of the first layer 2 and rear side of the second layer 3 is 0.5-4.0mm thick. Preferably one or more of the layers is 0.6-3.0 mm thick. Morepreferably, one or more of the layers is 0.8-2.0 mm thick. Even morepreferably, one or more of the layers is 0.9-1.3 mm thick.

The first layer 2 and second layer 3 may be co-molded/co-casted togetheror otherwise permanently affixed to each other, such as with anadhesive.

Alternatively, the first layer 2 and second layer 3 may be separablefrom one another as two distinct pieces. In such an instance, the twolayers can be configured so that they mechanically engage with eachother to form a unitary case. For example, the first layer 2 may bedesigned with slots or cutouts 14 into which corresponding ridges orribs 15 of the second layer 3 engage (e.g., by snapping, pressurefitting, or any other suitable mechanical engagement). As anotherexample opposite sides of the first layer 2 (e.g., upper side 7 andlower side 8, left side 9 and right side 10, or both) may be designed tosnap onto and hold the second layer 3.

For example, one process for producing the case may be:

-   -   1. Mold the first layer 2; and    -   2. Place the first layer 2 into the overmold tool, and mold the        second layer 3 onto the first layer 2.

Another example of a process for producing the case may be:

-   -   1. Mold the second layer 3; and    -   2. Place the second layer 3 into the overmold tool, and mold the        first layer 2 onto the second layer 3.

Yet another example of a process for producing the case may be:

-   -   1. Mold the first layer 2;    -   2. Mold the second layer 3 (separately from, and before, after,        or simultaneously with, the first layer 2); and    -   3. Join together the first layer 2 and the second layer 3.

It is noted that additional openings or cutouts 17 may be provided in atleast a part of the case 1 so as to allow various buttons, ports, orfeatures of a protected mobile device to be accessed without having toremove the mobile device from the case 1. For example openings orcutouts 17 may be provided to allow a user to engage a button of theprotected mobile device either directly or via the cover portion 11 ofthe layer 3. As another example, cutouts 17 may be provided to create anopening in the case 1 though which a charging port, audio port, dataport, or other electrical port of the mobile device may be accessed,either directly or via a pass-through connection. As yet anotherexample, cutouts 17 may be provided to create an opening to expose acamera lens, audio speaker, microphone, or other feature of the deviceto be accessed or employed without removing the mobile device from thecase 1.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of each of the first layer 2 andthe second layer 3, corresponding to the rear of the case 1, istranslucent, transparent, or clear, with a visible light transmittance(VLT) of at least 20%, so that the rear of a mobile device arranged inthe case can be seen by a user through the first layer 2 and the secondlayer 3. Preferably, the portions of the first layer 2 and the secondlayer 3, corresponding to the rear of the mobile device, are translucentor clear. For example, at least a portion, if not all, of the firstlayer 2 may have a VLT of at least 20%, preferably at least 50%, morepreferably at least 80%, more preferably still at least 90%, and mostpreferably 100%. Similarly, at least a portion, if not all, of thesecond layer 3 may have a VLT of at least 20%, preferably at least 50%,more preferably at least 80%, more preferably still at least 90%, andmost preferably 100%.

The first layer 2 may also include relief slots or cutouts 14 in thehard material that allow the case to flex during installation andremoval. Corresponding ridges or ribs 15 of the second layer 3 engageinto the slots or cutouts 14. The second layer 3 includes theshock-absorbing impact geometry in the form of triangular ridges 4, asdescribed above.

The case 1 includes a clip portion 30 that is integral with the rest ofthe case, and which forms a ring. The clip portion 30 is formed by anexternal clip portion 31, an internal clip portion 32, and a hinged gate33. The external clip portion 31 extends from the upper side 7 of thefirst layer or shell 2 and is formed from a rigid or hard nonmetallicmaterial that is RF-transparent, such as those materials mentionedabove. Preferably the external clip portion 31 is formed by the firstlayer 2 itself. The internal clip portion 32 is arranged inside theexternal clip portion 31, and is also formed from one of the rigid orhard nonmetallic RF-transparent materials mentioned above. The internalclip portion 32 may be formed from the same type of material as theexternal clip portion 31, or may be formed from a different type ofmaterial. Preferably, the internal clip portion 32 is permanentlyattached to the external clip portion 31.

Preferably, a thickness of the internal clip portion 32 in a radialdirection of the ring formed by the clip portion 30 is greater than athickness of the external clip portion 31 in the radial direction of thering. In one such embodiment, the thickness of the external clip portion32 is 1.5 mm or less, preferably 0.50 mm to 1.50 mm, more preferably1.00 mm to 1.30 mm, most preferably around 1.20 mm. In this embodiment,the thickness of the internal clip portion is 1.2 mm or more, preferably1.20 mm to 10.00 mm, more preferably 1.20 mm to 5.00 mm, most preferably1.30 mm to 3.00 mm.

This two-piece design with the internal clip portion 32 being thickerthan the external clip portion 31 avoids certain problems that mightarise compared to a single-piece design with an external clip portion 31that is significantly thicker than the other portions of the first layer2. In particular, molding a single piece that varies in wall thicknesssignificantly may result in a variety of defects in the molded piece,such as shrinking, bubbles, brittleness, and stress concentration. Thesedefects can weaken the integrity of the case, cause cosmeticimperfections, cause structural failures, or deform the shape of thecase. By forming the internal clip portion 32 separately from andthicker than the external clip portion 31, the strength and integrity ofthe clip portion 30 can be maintained and even increased compared to asingle piece of material of the same thickness as the external andinternal clip portions 31,32 combined. In addition, this configurationallows the external clip portion 31 to be formed from the first layer 2at a comparable thickness to the rear side 4,6, upper side 7, lower side8, left side 9, and right side 10, thereby avoiding the above-mentionedproblems.

In one embodiment, the internal clip portion 32 has a protrusion orridge 36 that extends from periphery of the internal clip portion 32.The external clip portion 31 has a corresponding indentation or groove37 into which the protrusion or ridge 36 extends when the internal clipportion 32 is arranged inside the external clip portion 31. This furthersecures the internal clip portion 32 inside the external clip portion 31and strengthens the clip portion 30.

The hinged gate 33 may be formed from one of the rigid or hard materialsmentioned above. Additionally, the hinged gate 33 may be formed from ametal or alloy. Preferably, no part of the case 1 is formed from ametallic or RF-blocking material other than the hinged gate 33, whichmay or may not be formed from a metal or alloy. The hinged gate 33connects to the rest of the case 1 via a hinge portion 34, around whichthe hinged gate 33 is rotatable between a closed position in which partof the hinged gate 33 rests against a recess 35 formed in the externalclip portion 31 or the internal clip portion 32 so that the clip portion30 forms a closed ring with the rest of the case, and an open positionin which the clip does not rest in the recess 35 so that the clipportion 30 forms an open ring with the rest of the case.

In one embodiment, the hinged gate 33 includes two legs 33 a,33 b whichare offset from each other. In this embodiment, the hinge portion 34includes two holes or indentations 34 a,34 b that are similarly offsetfrom each other. The end of leg 33 a extends into the hole 34 a and theend of the leg 33 b extends into the hole 34 b. This creates a springforce that biases the hinged gate 33 in the closed position.

By forming the first layer 2, second layer 3, the external clip portion31, and the internal clip portion 32 from nonmetallic RF-transparentmaterials, the case 1, as a whole, can be made RF-transparent so that RFsignals can be sent and received by a mobile device arranged in the case1.

In a preferred embodiment, the second layer forms the external clipportion 31, and the first layer 2, second layer 3, and internal clipportion 32 are injection molded as three separate parts that are thenco-molded together as a visually singular part that is both transparentand durable. The metal swinging gate 33 is than attached to the case 1.This design not only protects the device and allows it to be worn onmany different areas of the user, but also makes the electronic devicevisible to the use through the transparent case 1.

While the embodiments of the case 1 shown in the drawing have separatelayers 2,3 forming the interior and exterior of the case 1, the interiorand exterior of the case 1—including the external clip portion 31—canalternatively be made of a single layer 3, into which the internal clipportion 32 is placed.

While the embodiments of the case 1 shown in the drawing are made fromthe two layers 2, 3, it can also be made of a single layer 2 or 3 thatforms both the interior and exterior of the case 1.

It is noted that the terminology used above is for the purpose ofreference only, and is not intended to be limiting. For example, termssuch as “upper”, “lower”, “above”, “below”, “rightward”, “leftward”,“clockwise”, and “counterclockwise” refer to directions in the drawingsto which reference is made. As another example, terms such as “inward”and “outward” may refer to directions toward and away from,respectively, the geometric center of the component described. As afurther example, terms such as “front”, “rear”, “side”, “left side”,“right side”, “top”, “bottom”, “horizontal”, and “vertical” describe theorientation of portions of the component within a consistent butarbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to thetext and the associated drawings describing the component underdiscussion. Such terminology will include the words specificallymentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specificembodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives,modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as setforth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Variouschanges may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinventions as defined in the following claims.

In addition, it is noted that citation or identification of any documentin this application is not an admission that such document is availableas prior art to the present invention.

1. A case for a mobile device, comprising: a first RF-transparent layerthat forms a pocket or recess in which the mobile device can bearranged, the first layer being formed from a first material such thatradio frequency (“RF”) transmissions can be transmitted through thefirst layer; and a clip portion that extends from a first wall of thepocket or recess in a direction away from the pocket or recess, the clipportion and the first wall forming a ring, the clip portion comprising:an external clip portion formed from a second material such that RFtransmissions can be transmitted through the external clip portion; aninternal clip portion that is arranged inside the external clip portion,is formed from a third material such that RF transmissions can betransmitted through the internal clip portion, the internal clip portionbeing separate and distinct from the eternal clip portion; and a hingedgate that is rotatable around a hinge portion between a closed positionin which the ring is closed, and an open position in which the ring isopen; wherein the first, second, and third materials are the same,different, or a combination thereof.
 2. The case for a mobile deviceaccording to claim 1; wherein the first layer forms the external clipportion.
 3. The case for a mobile device according to claim 1; whereinthe internal clip portion is permanently attached to the external clipportion.
 4. The case for a mobile device according to claim 1; whereinthe ring is rectangular in shape.
 5. The case for a mobile deviceaccording to claim 1; wherein the first, second, and third materials arenonmetallic materials.
 6. The case for a mobile device according toclaim 1; wherein the hinged gate comprises at least one metal.
 7. Thecase for a mobile device according to claim 6; wherein the case includesno metal or RF-blocking components or materials other than the hingedgate.
 8. The case for a mobile device according to claim 1; wherein thecase includes no metal or RF-blocking components or materials.
 9. Thecase for a mobile device according to claim 1, further comprising: asecond RF-transparent layer that is arranged inside the pocket or recessof the first layer, and which is formed from a fourth material such thatRF transmissions can be transmitted through the second layer, the fourthmaterial being different from the first material.
 10. The case for amobile device according to claim 9; wherein the second layer ispermanently attached to the first layer.
 11. The case for a mobiledevice according to claim 9; wherein the fourth material is anonmetallic material.
 12. The case for a mobile device according toclaim 9; wherein the fourth material is a soft elastomeric material. 13.The case for a mobile device according to claim 12; wherein the softelastomeric fourth material is selected from the group consisting ofthermoplastic elastomers (“TPEs”), thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”),polyolefins, silicone, rubber, and combinations thereof.
 14. The casefor a mobile device according to claim 9; wherein each of the first,second, third, and fourth materials is translucent, transparent, orclear, so that one or more sides of the mobile device can be seenthrough the one or more respective sides of the case when the mobiledevice is arranged inside the case.
 15. The case (1) for a mobile deviceaccording to claim 1; wherein the first material is a hard or rigidmaterial.
 16. The case for a mobile device according to claim 15;wherein the hard or rigid first material is selected from the groupconsisting of hardened plastic material, a rigid or semi-rigid plasticmaterial, a rigid/hard rubber material, a polycarbonate material, apara-aramid material, wood, glass, quartz, thermosetting plastics with ahard durometer having shore 30D to shore 100D, polycarbonate,poly(methyl methacrylate) (“PMMA”), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene(“ABS”), PMMA, polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), high durometerthermoplastic elastomers (“TPEs”) and thermoplastic polyurethanes(“TPUs”) having shore 30D to shore 100D, and any combination thereof.17. The case for a mobile device according to claim 1; wherein the firstlayer forms: a rear side that forms at least part of a rear wall of thepocket or recess; a first side that extends from the rear side and formsat least part of the first wall of the pocket or recess; a second sideopposite to the first side, the second side extending from the rear sideand forming at least part of a second wall of the pocket or recess; athird side that extends from the rear side between the first and secondsides, and which forms at least part of a third wall of the pocket orrecess; and a fourth side opposite to the third side, the fourth sideextending from the rear side between the first and second sides andforming at least part of a fourth wall of the pocket or recess.
 18. Thecase for a mobile device according to claim 1; wherein a thickness ofthe internal clip portion in a radial direction of the ring is greaterthan a thickness of the external clip portion in the radial direction ofthe ring.
 19. A case for a mobile device, comprising: a first layer thatforms a pocket or recess in which the mobile device can be arranged, thefirst layer being formed from a first material; and a clip portion thatextends from a first wall of the pocket or recess in a direction awayfrom the pocket or recess, the clip portion and the first wall forming aring, the clip portion comprising: an external clip portion formed froma second material; an internal clip portion that is arranged inside theexternal clip portion, is formed from a third material, and is separateand distinct from the eternal clip portion; and a hinged gate that isrotatable around a hinge portion between a closed position in which thering is closed, and an open position in which the ring is open; whereina thickness of the internal clip portion in a radial direction of thering is greater than a thickness of the external clip portion in theradial direction of the ring.
 20. The case for a mobile device accordingto claim 18; wherein the first layer forms the external clip portion.